PHOTOS: Scores Killed, Abducted as Terrorists Burn Down Military Base in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly killed an unconfirmed number of civilians and abducted several women in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following an attack on a military position in the area.

According to reports, the insurgents struck the military base in the community before moving on to attack civilians at around 1am on Wednesday.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers operated for hours, using motorcycles and gun trucks to carry out the assault.

Confirming the incident, the Spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said many residents remain missing. He added that preliminary reports indicate that some survivors of the attack were also abducted.

“Suspected terrorist group attacked a military base in Gwoza around 1am on the 4th. The military were able to repel them,” Daso said. “Although an unknown number of civilians were also affected and killed. Some are still missing and probably taken towards the Mandara Mountains.”

Daso allayed fears that a chief Imam in the community had been killed, noting that investigations are ongoing. “As of now, we have not finished getting the total number of those taken away. If the Chief Imam is currently missing, we will verify and get back to you,” he said.

He also confirmed that the community is currently calm, with the military taking full control of the area.

Efforts to reach the Spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.

Locals, however, stated that nine soldiers were killed during the attack and many residents have fled for safety.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the insurgents overpowered the troops before launching an assault on civilians. “They attacked the base in large numbers.

“That gave them the advantage to overpower the soldiers stationed there and also made it easier for them to infiltrate the community and abduct many women. Many of our people ran to Pulka town to take refuge for fear of another attack,” the source said.

Residents further reported that the insurgents set fire to significant parts of the town as they retreated. “When they entered Ngoshe town, they first attacked the military base there and killed nine soldiers. They killed and abducted mostly women,” another local recounted, appealing for urgent security measures to prevent further attacks.